Tools

Frank Fairfield

When: Sat., Nov. 24, 8-10 p.m. 2012
Price: Donation

Though Frank Fairfield is not yet 30 years old, the California singer and multi-instrumentalist is an astounding well of ancient American songs. Indeed, in concert, he largely avoids the two excellent albums of rearranged traditionals and originals he's released through the label Tompkins Square. Rather, he takes a sidewinding trip through tunes he's picked up, telling their tales before singing them with a monastic singularity and intensity. Though it might be tempting to dismiss Fairfield as a character actor with an antiquated specialty, the focus and force of his performances—eyes closed as he saws a fiddle, stomps his feet and lets out a pained yell—obviates those thoughts on sight. Donations are requested for the 8 p.m. show. —Grayson Currin